EMERGE NEW JERSEY ANNOUNCES GRADUATION FOR THE CLASS OF 2025

Trenton — Emerge New Jersey, the state’s premier organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office, announced today the graduation of the Class of 2025 Signature program cohort. This year’s group of 15 future political leaders was amazing, representing all parts of the state and coming from diverse backgrounds and professional experiences.

“Emerge New Jersey is thrilled to graduate our class of 2025,” said Melissa Watson Ward, Training Director at Emerge. “Our organization trained exceptional participants, who will seize on political opportunities now that they have the tools necessary to run an effective campaign. We believe in a representative Democracy, and these women’s voices are needed in our government now more than ever.”

Emerge New Jersey’s training program offers Democratic women who want to run for public office a unique opportunity. Women who are accepted receive 70 hours of in-depth education over several months, inspiring them and providing them the tools they need to run their best possible campaign. The program’s trainers are comprised of an elite team of campaign consultants, advisors, and staff from all over the country, who have been involved in some of the most successful campaigns and initiatives seen in recent election cycles. Participants learn from these experts and develop practical knowledge in areas such as public speaking, fundraising, campaign strategy, voter contact, media and messaging, and more. Candidates also meet an array of dynamic women who hold elected and appointed office and become a part of a supportive network, which includes a national association of Emerge alumnae, the Emerge New Jersey cabinet and committee members, and their fellow Emerge New Jersey alums. 

Criteria for selection into the class included: evidence of political leadership experience or potential; meaningful involvement in the community; interest in pursuing political office; demonstrated ability to bring together disparate groups to achieve a goal; ability and desire to build effective networks; ability to articulate a personal political vision; demonstrated ability to inspire others; and commitment to full participation and attendance requirements of the trainings. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  October 22, 2025

CONTACT: Melissa Watson Ward  melissa@emergeamerica.org